Tips to help yourself always look and feel good

Found this in Cosmopolitan...we all have our "fat" days and days where we just aren't feeling as attractive as we want to...this article has some suggestions on how to make even these days sexy days. It also has diet smart and common sense tips that everyone should take into account and remember.

10 Things to Do Instead of Dieting

By Katy Lindenmuth

You don't have to count calories and kill yourself on the elliptical machine to look and feel hot. Try these little suggestions that can add up to a big difference.

1. Wear heels. Always.
We know, we know: High heels can hurt like a biotch and be insanely expensive. But trust us, they’re still necessary. They will instantly add sexiness to any outfit, regardless of the body that sits on top of them. They also make your legs look longer and, therefore, the rest of you appear thinner.

2. Beware your friends who are fat magnets.
Admit it: When a buddy orders French fries at lunch, you can't help but steal some of hers, or even order your own. Or how about the girl who always orders a greasy app, or another beer, or a huge dessert? We're not saying don't dine with them...we're just saying that you want to be extra-aware of what you're getting into when you hang with someone who isn't as savvy as you.

3. Discover your signature style.
You know that girl who can make guys salivate just by wearing a plain white Hanes tee and comfy jeans? That's because it’s not just what you wear, but also how you wear it. According to Spencer, everything you put on your body gives off signals that can captivate a room…or turn people off. So rock the clothing that gets you the most compliments and makes you feel good, even if it’s a V-neck sweater you bought on clearance five years ago.

4. Give food your undivided attention.
When it comes to meals, don’t multitask. If you chow down while watching the newest Gossip Girl episode, you will end up consuming more...and possibly not remember eating in the first place. (Even worse: You might miss a steamy Blair and Chuck scene.) Plus, remember that eating is something you do when you’re hungry — not when you're weepy, bored, fidgety, or drunk. Listen to your tummy, not your emotions.

5. Slip into some sexy panties.
Power suit? How about power panties? If you save your best ooh-la-la underthings only for dates and parties, you’re underestimating how indulgent some hidden sauciness can be on a regular workday. And since we all know that the wrong underwear can throw off your game for the entire day, keep an array of options in your drawer: seamless panties, Spanx, thongs, boy shorts, and at least one pair of sexy undies that basically looks like a doily. A very, very small doily.

. Buy more food without labels.
When you’re tossing items into your grocery cart, put a limit on food that comes in a box, can, or wrapper. The fewer preservatives, additives, and chemicals a food has, the healthier it is. (Duh.) A good rule to follow: If you have to nuke it when you get home, there’s probably a fresher option in the produce or meat aisle.

7. Wear black opaque tights.
Consider solid black tights the miracle worker of your lower-body wardrobe. Among their talents: They make your legs look thinner; they’re a stylish way to deal with cooler temps; they’re usually inexpensive; and they can hide a multitude of flaws, like veins, your annual winter pastiness, and even knobby knees.

8. Police your portion control.
One in four Americans eats everything he or she is served, regardless of how much food it is. Bigger is certainly better when it comes to paychecks and heel heights, but not when we’re talking about food portions. So the next time you’re about to down some macaroni and cheese, keep in mind that “the clean plate club” is one group you don't want to be in!

9. Beware of “healthy” foods and other hidden food traps.
It starts out innocently enough: You decide to make a salad for lunch. So into your bowl goes crisp spinach, shredded carrots, and cherry tomatoes. But as you’re patting yourself on the back for a meal healthfully done, your dish becomes laden with, well, crap: eggs, bacon, croutons, creamy dressing. The lesson? Just because it’s called a “salad” doesn’t mean it’s wholesome.

10. Choose fat burners, not fats.
Some magical foods actually satisfy you, for various reasons. Add these to your shopping list and incorporate them into your diet: grapefruit, apples, olive oil, flaxseeds, sunflower seeds, lecithin, garlic, blueberries, and almonds. (Just not too much garlic, if you want to stay cool with your coworkers and boyfriend.)